Tourist’s Encounter with Elephant in Bandipur Tiger Reserve

A tourist from Kerala experienced a terrifying encounter with a wild elephant in Karnataka’s Bandipur Tiger Reserve. The incident occurred when the man attempted to photograph the elephant, which was munching on carrots it had picked up from a passing truck. The situation quickly escalated when the camera’s flash startled the animal, prompting it to charge at the tourist.

Viral Video Sparks Outrage on Social Media

The dramatic moment was captured on video and has since gone viral across social media platforms, eliciting shock and criticism from viewers. The footage shows the elephant on a busy road, surrounded by vehicles and people. As it crossed the road, a white car stopped abruptly to allow it to pass. However, moments later, the elephant charged at the man standing near roadside bushes.

Panic and Escape

In a panic, the man attempted to flee but stumbled and fell on the road. The elephant pinned him down as onlookers screamed in an attempt to scare the animal away. Fortunately, the elephant retreated, allowing the man to escape unharmed.

Witness Account and Safety Warnings

A witness in the white car reported that the man used a camera with a flash to take a close-up photo of the elephant. “The sudden burst of light startled the animal, triggering the charge,” explained the caption accompanying the video. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to wildlife reserve rules, which clearly state that visitors must remain inside their vehicles.

Previous Warnings Against Disturbing Wildlife

In January, an Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer issued warnings against disturbing wild animals after another video showed a man provoking an elephant and narrowly escaping harm. Such behavior is deemed dangerous and unethical, posing risks to both humans and animals. The officer emphasized that irritating wild animals can lead to aggressive behavior towards humans for days afterward.